Building a Coalition That Stands Up For Tolerance and For Jews
I’m writing to share positive developments over the past week, following up on the video and statement I sent a week ago. You can find the follow-up video and transcript below. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to Harvard’s Jewish community.
No Jewish Student Should be Shunned for their Beliefs
Yesterday, many of you saw the Harvard Crimson article “Ethicist, Should I Let Go of My Zionist Friends?” This piece has rightfully caused shock, hurt, and concern across our community.
Sarah and Yaron
I am dedicating this message to focusing our community’s grieving hearts and worried minds on the murder of Sarah Milgirm and Yaron Lischinsky, may their memories always be for a blessing.
Leading the Next Chapter of the Fight Against Antisemitism at Harvard
Earlier today, Harvard’s Presidential Task Force on Combating Anti-Semitism released its long-awaited report, which both lays bare the depth of the problems that burst into view after 10/7, and charts a path by which President Garber and the university’s leadership can rededicate Harvard to tolerance and the pursuit of truth.
Raising Our Sights
In the ten days following the settlement, three of the most vocal anti-Zionists have departed, or announced their impending departure, from Harvard’s faculty.
BREAKING: Jewish Students and Harvard Settle Antisemitism Lawsuit
This morning, Harvard University and Students Against Antisemitism, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, and Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education – announced that they had settled the plaintiffs’ lawsuit against the university for failing to protect the civil rights of Jewish students from anti-Semitic discrimination.
What We’re Facing and How We’re Facing It
The protesters chanted, “Zionists are not welcome here.” On the contrary. Harvard Hillel is committed to ensuring that all Jews, including Zionists and Israelis, are welcome in every corner of this university.
On Hillel’s Values: Pluralism and Trust after the suspension of JStreetU
Each of us on Hillel’s staff is profoundly committed to holding this fractured Jewish community – by creating a place where each of you holds and supports one another in the fullness of your conflicting commitments to what Judaism requires of each of us.
On this October 7th Day
Tonight, I will find comfort in being surrounded by many of you at our Memorial Vigil at 5pm on the steps of Widener Library. I look forward to processing with you afterwards at 7pm as we remember and grieve.
On Harvard’s Next Steps to Address Antisemitism
Yesterday, Harvard University’s task force on antisemitism delivered its initial short-term recommendations.